Ukraine: Cholera Travel Health Alert

According to WHO, the Ukrainian Ministry of Health has reported 14 laboratory confirmed cases of cholera from the port city of Mariupol’ (Donets’ka Oblast) on the Sea of Azov since May 30, 2011. This is the first outbreak of cholera in Ukraine since 1995. The sources of the infection are still under investigation; however, local authorities have prohibited swimming and fishing in the surrounding Kal’chyk and Kal’mius rivers and the Sea of Azov. Risk to travelers is minimal. Extreme care in hygiene and food habits, especially in regards to undercooked fish and shellfish, is recommended.